Support device for a barbell

ABSTRACT

A support device for supporting a barbell, for use in particular on an upright provided with holes, may include a support portion for supporting the barbell. The support portion may include a hook-shaped end for supporting the barbell. The support device may also include a pin originating from said support portion extending away from it along a first direction. The pin may be insertable in a hole of the upright. The support device may also include an arm originating from the support portion extending away from it along a second direction. The arm may be able to be flanked to the upright and the arm may include at least one magnet.

FIELD

The present invention relates to a support device for supporting a barbell.

BACKGROUND

As is known, physical exercises exist which involve the use of a barbell. When resting, the barbell is supported on one or more supports adjustable in height with respect to the upright of the structure.

Different types of fixing of the support to the upright are known. A first solution includes fixing by means of a through pin of the upright. However, there is a high risk of the pin exiting from its seat during use.

A second solution proposes using a bayonet coupling. In this case, there are problems of mechanical hold to stresses.

A third solution includes fixing by means of a pin with two diameters, inserted in a special shaped hole. However, there is a mutual movement (clearance) between support and upright of the structure, which causes instability.

The subject matter claimed herein is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described herein may be practiced.

SUMMARY

A support device for supporting a barbell, for use in particular on an upright provided with holes, may include a support portion for supporting the barbell. The support portion may include a hook-shaped end for supporting the barbell. The support device may also include a pin originating from said support portion extending away from it along a first direction. The pin may be insertable in a hole of the upright. The support device may also include an arm originating from the support portion extending away from it along a second direction. The arm may be able to be flanked to the upright and the arm may include at least one magnet.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use on an upright provided with holes;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view from one side of the support device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 illustrates a view from an opposite side, with respect to that of FIG. 2 , of the support device of FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a part of a multi-functional training structure of a rig or power rack type; and

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the part of the multi-functional training structure of FIG. 4 .

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The current disclosure provides a support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use on an upright provided with holes, and a multi-functional training structure of the rig or power rack type. In some embodiments, the support device may overcome one or more of the drawbacks of the previous support devices.

In particular, it is an object of the current disclosure to propose a support device for supporting a barbell, which is easy and quick to use.

Another object of the current disclosure is to provide a support device for supporting a barbell, which reduces the risk of rotation in positions which are uncomfortable to use.

Another object of the current disclosure is to propose a multi-functional training structure of the rig or power rack type, in which the connection between the support device and the structure is safe, reducing the clearance between them and consequently mutual movements and noises as much as possible.

The stated technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use in an upright provided with holes, including: a support portion for supporting the barbell, said support portion comprising a hook-shaped end for supporting the barbell; a pin originating from said support portion extending away from it along a first direction, said pin being insertable in a hole of said upright; an arm originating from said support portion extending away from it along a second direction, said arm being able to be flanked to the upright; said arm including at least one magnet.

In accordance with some embodiments, the pin and the arm originate from the support portion at two different heights. In these and other embodiments, when the support device is in use, the pin is located above the arm.

In accordance with an embodiment, the support device comprises an L-shaped flange. The arm constitutes one of the two portions defining the L-shaped flange. In these and other embodiments, the L-shaped flange comprises a layer of rubberized material which is destined to contact the upright. In accordance with an embodiment, the arm originates from a peripheral area of the support portion.

In accordance with an embodiment, the support device further comprises a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other. The support portion is arranged on the first surface. The pin originates from the second surface. In these and other embodiments, the first and the second direction are substantially parallel.

In accordance with an embodiment, the arm comprises a disk destined to be faced to the upright. The disk comprises a plurality of magnetic portions distributed on it.

The defined technical task and the specified aims are substantially achieved by a multi-functional training structure of the rig or power rack type, comprising: at least one upright provided with a plurality of holes; a support device for supporting a barbell according to what is described, the pin of said support device being inserted into one of said holes, said arm being flanked to the upright so as to create a magnetic coupling between the magnet and the upright.

Further features and advantages of the present disclosure will become clearer from the indicative, and therefore non-limiting, description of an embodiment of a support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use on an upright provided with holes, and a multi-functional training structure of the rig or power rack type, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings and the following description.

With reference to the figures, the number 1 indicates a support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use on an upright 101 provided with holes 102.

Hereinafter, reference will be made to a condition of use of the support device 1 with reference to the condition in which the support device 1 is mounted on the upright 101 to carry out its barbell support function. The upright 101 is vertical and the support device 1 supports the barbell arranged transversally (in particular, usually horizontal) relative to the upright 101.

The support device 1 comprises a support portion 2 for supporting the barbell. In particular, the support portion 2 comprises a hook-shaped end 3 for supporting the barbell.

In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, the support portion 2 is substantially J-shaped (considering a side view of the support device 1, as visible in FIGS. 2 or 3 ). That is, the support portion 2 has a straight section 2a followed downwards by the hook-shaped end 3, from which the hook-shaped end 3 thus originates.

In accordance with an embodiment, the hook-shaped end 3 defines a substantially V-shaped support recess 4 for supporting the barbell. The vertex of the V can be pointed or rounded.

In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the hook-shaped end 3 defines a support recess 4 for supporting the barbell which is U-shaped or similar.

The support device 1 comprises a pin 5 originating from the support portion 2. The pin 5 extends away from the support portion 2 along a first direction. The pin 5 is insertable in a hole 102 of the upright 101.

The support device 1 comprises an arm 6 originating from the support portion 2. The arm 6 extends away from the support portion 2 along a second direction.

The arm 6 comprises at least one magnet 7. In the embodiment described and illustrated herein, a magnet 7 is mounted on the arm 6. In an alternative embodiment, the magnet 7 is integrated in the arm 6. In an embodiment, the magnet 7 is arranged on the arm 6 so as to face the upright 101 in a condition of use.

The magnet 7 is installed on the arm 6 and works in traction on the upright 101 maintaining the working position firm. The mechanical hold of the support device 1 to the stresses given by the weight of the barbell is given by the pin 5 inserted in the upright 101.

In an embodiment, a disk 8 is arranged on the arm 6. The disk 8 comprises a plurality of magnetic portions 9 arranged equidistant along a circumference of the disk 8.

The arm 6 is able to be flanked to the upright 101 so as to create a magnetic coupling between the arm 6 (and thus the support device 1) and the upright 101. In these and other embodiments, the arm 6 originates from a peripheral area of the support portion 2. In these and other embodiments, the arm 6 originates laterally to the support portion 2. Thereby, it is possible to reduce the size of the support device 1 to the absolute minimum.

In accordance with an embodiment, the arm 6 is welded to the support portion 2. In an alternative embodiment, the arm 6 is fixed by means of a threaded connection to the support portion 2. In a further embodiment, the arm 6 is made in a single piece with the support portion 2.

In the event in which the arm 6 originates from a peripheral area of the support portion 2, the magnet 7 faces inwards, that is, towards the peripheral area of the support portion 2 opposite that mentioned above.

In an embodiment, the arm 6 is a plate. In the condition of use of the support device 1, the plate is facing and parallel to the upright 101. In these and other embodiments, with reference to a position of the support device 1 in which the hook-shaped end has the concavity facing upwards (condition of use of the support device 1), the pin 5 and the arm 6 originate from the support portion 2 at two different heights. In these and other embodiments, the pin 5 is located higher than the arm 6.

In an alternative embodiment, the pin 5 and the arm 6 are at the same height. In another alternative embodiment, the pin 5 is located lower than the arm 6. In some embodiments, the first direction and the second direction are parallel. That is, the pin 5 and the arm 6 extend according to parallel directions.

With reference to a condition of use of the support device 1, the first and the second direction are substantially orthogonal to an extension direction of the (vertical) upright. That is, they are horizontal.

In some embodiments, the support device 1 comprises an L-shaped flange 10. In particular, the flange 10 is shaped to partially wrap the upright 101 so as to offer at least two contact points.

Therefore, the L-shaped flange 10 has a first portion originating from the support portion 2 and a second portion 10 a transverse to the first. In particular, the second portion 10 a originates from an end of the first portion 10 a.

The arm 6 constitutes one of the two portions forming the flange 10, in particular the first portion originating from the support portion 2. Therefore, the second portion 10 a extends transversally to the second direction.

In the condition of use, the second portion 10 a faces the back of the upright 101. In particular, back of the upright 101 is intended as the side of the upright 101 opposite that on which the support portion 2 of the support device 1 is located.

In some embodiments, the L-shaped flange 10 comprises a layer of rubberized material 11 which is destined to contact the upright 101. In some embodiments, the second portion comprises the layer of rubberized material 11. The layer of rubberized material 11 faces the support portion 2, i.e., towards the upright 101.

In some embodiments, the support device 1 comprises a plate 12 having a first surface 12 a and a second surface 12 b opposite each other. The support portion 2 is located on the side of the first surface 12 a, in particular it is arranged thereon. The pin 5 originates from the second surface 12 b.

In some embodiments, the arm 6 originates from a peripheral area of the support portion 12. In some embodiments, the arm 6 originates laterally to the plate 12.

In accordance with an embodiment, the arm 6 is welded to the plate 12.

In an alternative embodiment, the arm 6 is fixed by means of a threaded connection to the plate 12. In a further embodiment, the arm 6 is made in a single piece with the plate 12. The plate 12 extends substantially vertically, when the support device 1 is in use.

A multi-functional training structure 100 of the power rack type, according to the present invention, is described below.

The multi-functional training structure 100 comprises at least one upright 101 provided with a plurality of holes 102. At least one portion of the upright 101 is made of metallic material, in particular ferromagnetic, to allow the magnet 7 to couple with it.

The upright 101 extends according to a main vertical extension direction. The holes 102 are distributed along the extension direction. In some embodiments, the holes 102 have parallel axes.

In some embodiments, the multi-functional training structure 100 comprises two uprights 101 which are spaced apart. The two uprights 101 extend along two substantially parallel main extension directions.

In accordance with an embodiment, the multi-functional training structure 100 comprises four uprights 101, two front ones as described above, which are perforated and receive two support devices 1 for supporting the barbell, and two rear ones. In this case, the structure looks like a frame of a cage. In accordance with an embodiment, the multi-functional training structure 100 is of the wall-mounted type.

Alternatively, the multi-functional training structure 100 comprises only two uprights 101 movable, usually independently, between a use position, in which it is located at a maximum distance from the wall, and a rest position, in which it is located at a minimum distance from the wall.

The embodiments described above are only some of the possibilities present on the market. The invention proposed herein finds application without modifications to all the known art related to the power rack type, which has at least one upright provided with holes.

The multi-functional training structure 100 comprises at least one support device 1 according to what has been described above.

The pin 5 of the support device 1 is inserted into one of the holes 101. The arm 6 is flanked to the upright 101 so as to create a magnetic coupling between the magnet 7 and the upright 101. In some embodiments, the magnet 7 is arranged on the arm 6 so as to face the upright 101.

If the L-shaped flange 10 is present, it substantially embraces two sides of the upright: a side surface and a rear surface (intended with respect to the front surface on which the support portion 2 and therefore the barbell is located).

The flange 10 faces the upright laterally thanks to the magnet and posteriorly thanks to the second transverse portion 10 a (or if present, to the layer of rubberized material mounted thereon).

The features of the support device for supporting a barbell, in particular for use on an upright provided with holes, and a multi-functional training structure of the rig or power rack type, according to the present invention, are clear from the description, as are the advantages thereof.

In some embodiments, the insertion of the magnet on the side arm allows the support portion to be kept in the working position, preventing the rotation thereof with respect to the axis of the pin. This greatly reduces the clearances, increasing safety and stability. Furthermore, the two-level assembly (insertion of the pin in the hole and magnetic coupling between the arm and the upright) conveys a perception of greater safety and stability to the user. In fact, the magnet comes into contact with the load-bearing structure, emitting an easily distinguishable sound confirming the insertion in the working position.

Furthermore, the presence of the magnet forces the user to apply greater force in the initial removal step of the support device, thus implying a greater expression of awareness in the gesture itself. That is, the removal of the support device from the working position may reduce the likelihood of removal of the support device involuntarily.

Despite the increased safety of this assembly, the support device remains fast and easy to use. Furthermore, the proposed configuration of the support device helps to reduce the clearance between the hooked end and the body of the device.

Furthermore, the particular L-shape of the flange means that, in order to be able to insert the support device on the structure, the pin must be inserted into one of the holes, keeping the support device rotated with respect to the working position (approximately 90°, otherwise the second transverse portion would contact the upright, preventing the insertion of the pin) and subsequently rotate it around the axis of the pin to bring it into its working position. In doing so, the magnet is brought closer to the upright until the flange, in particular the arm, and the upright magnetically couple.

In some embodiments, the working position is maintained by the weight of the support device itself and since there are no screw, lever or wedge fasteners there may be a certain clearance between the parts to allow the insertion/removal movement. This problem is assisted by the presence of the L-shaped flange and the assembly proposed above.

In accordance with common practice, the various features illustrated in the drawings may not depict all of the components of a given apparatus (e.g., device) or all operations of a particular method.

Terms used herein and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, it is understood that such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” or “one or more of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc. For example, the use of the term “and/or” is intended to be construed in this manner.

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” should be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”

Additionally, the use of the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are not necessarily used herein to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first, “second,” “third,” etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term “second side” with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the “first side” of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.

All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical objects to aid the reader in understanding the and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Although embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. 

1. A support device for supporting a barbell, for use in particular on an upright provided with holes, comprising: a support portion for supporting the barbell, said support portion comprising a hook-shaped end for supporting the barbell; a pin originating from said support portion extending away from it along a first direction, said pin being insertable in a hole of said upright; and an arm originating from said support portion extending away from it along a second direction, said arm being able to be flanked to the upright and said arm comprising at least one magnet.
 2. The support device according to claim 1, wherein said pin and said arm originate from said support portion at two different heights.
 3. The support device according to claim 1, wherein when the support device is in use said pin is above said arm.
 4. The support device according to claim 1, comprising an L-shaped flange, said arm constituting one of two portions defining said L-shaped flange.
 5. The support device according to claim 4, wherein said L-shaped flange comprises a layer of rubberized material which is destined to contact said upright.
 6. The support device according to claim 1, wherein said arm originates from a peripheral area of said support portion.
 7. The support device according to claim 1, further comprising a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other, said support portion being arranged on said first surface, said pin originating from said second surface.
 8. The support device according to claim 1, wherein said first and second directions are substantially parallel.
 9. The support device according to claim 1, wherein said arm comprises a disk destined to be faced to the upright, said disk comprising a plurality of magnetic portions distributed on it.
 10. A multi-functional training structure of a rig or power rack type, the multi-functional training structure comprising: at least one upright provided with a plurality of holes; and a support device for supporting a barbell, the support device including: a support portion for supporting the barbell, said support portion comprising a hook-shaped end for supporting the barbell; a pin originating from said support portion extending away from it along a first direction, said pin being insertable in a hole of said upright; and an arm originating from said support portion extending away from it along a second direction, said arm being able to be flanked to the upright and said arm comprising at least one magnet, the pin of said support device being inserted into one of said holes, said arm being flanked to the upright so as to create a magnetic coupling between the magnet and the upright.
 11. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, wherein said pin and said arm originate from said support portion at two different heights.
 12. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, wherein when the support device is in use said pin is above said arm.
 13. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, the support device further comprising an L-shaped flange, said arm constituting one of two portions defining said L-shaped flange.
 14. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 13, wherein said L-shaped flange comprises a layer of rubberized material which is destined to contact said upright.
 15. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, wherein said arm originates from a peripheral area of said support portion.
 16. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, the support device further comprising a plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite each other, said support portion being arranged on said first surface, said pin originating from said second surface.
 17. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, wherein said first and second directions are substantially parallel.
 18. The multi-functional training structure according to claim 10, wherein said arm comprises a disk destined to be faced to the upright, said disk comprising a plurality of magnetic portions distributed on it. 